COLUMBIA, SC --- Behind a career-high 19 points from Nari Coe, Allen claimed bragging rights Saturday in a 65-53 road victory over rival Benedict. 

The Yellow Jackets both started out fast and finished strong in their fifth win of the season Saturday. After leading 17-10 after the first quarter, Allen saw the Tigers find their offensive rhythm in the second, scoring 20 points to Allen's 10, as Benedict led in a close contest 30-27 at the half. However, that rhythm would soon fall out of key as the Yellow Jackets tamed the Tigers in the second half, outscoring Benedict 38-23 over the final two quarters. As the old adage goes, 'games are won and lost in the fourth quarter,' and when time mattered most, Allen closed out the final 7:03 of the fourth quarter on a 17-4 run that included the Yellow Jackets holding Benedict scoreless for the final 2:50 of the game. 

For the second time in three games, Coe, a Hartsville, SC native, finished in double-figures and as Allen's leading scorer in the victory. Meanwhile, Kash Hankerson posted her 10th double-digit performance of the season with 13 points on the offensive end and adding seven steals on the defensive side. As a team Allen totaled a season-high 24 steals while forcing 36 Tiger turnovers. 

Allen aims to carry their momentum from Saturday's win into a two-game home stand beginning Monday, Jan. 29 at 5:30 p.m. as the Yellow Jackets welcome Savannah State to John Hurst Adams Gymnasium. Tickets are available now at www.auyellowjackets.com.